Baccarat gaming apparatus and baccarat gaming method

ABSTRACT

A baccarat gaming apparatus includes one or more bet receiving devices and a processor. Each of the one or more bet receiving devices receives a bet made by a player on any of objects. The processor calculates a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects which are received by the bet receiving devices, and starts a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-178390, filed on Jun. 28, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a baccarat gaming apparatus in which a baccarat game is played by betting a chip or the like on any of betting objects such as a banker and a player, and also relates to a baccarat gaming method.

2. Description of Related Art

A baccarat gaming apparatus, which provides a card game called “baccarat”, is placed in a casino shop, a game arcade, or the like. In a baccarat game, a player bets on any of “Player” and “Banker” (and sometimes “Tie”, too) which are betting objects. When a betting object on which a player has bet wins, the player is given a payout based on a bet amount, for example, double the bet amount.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,302 states that, in a baccarat game, a maximum amount bettable on an object is generally set to within 20 dollars to 2,000 dollars in accordance with rules made for every shop beforehand, and, in a mini baccarat game, a maximum amount bettable on an object is generally set to within 2 dollars to 500 dollars.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A baccarat gaming assembly disclosed in the above-mentioned document does not allow a player to bet a desired amount on a betting object, and therefore not a few players feel dissatisfied with a game.

An objection of the present invention is to provide a baccarat gaming apparatus and baccarat gaming method which can improve player's convenience and expectation on a game by allowing a player to bet a desired amount.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a baccarat gaming apparatus comprising one or more bet receiving devices and a processor. Each of the one or more bet receiving devices receives a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects. The processor calculates a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects which are received by the bet receiving devices, and starts a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a baccarat gaming method comprising the steps of receiving a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects, calculating a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects, and starting a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.

In the first and second aspects, no limitation is put on a maximum amount bettable on the objects, and the game is started when the difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, a player can bet a desired amount, and thus his/her convenience and expectation on a game can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a baccarat gaming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an appearance of a terminal that is included in the baccarat gaming apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical construction of the baccarat gaming apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical construction of the terminal;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a bet screen that is displayed on a liquid crystal display of the terminal;

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an operation and a bet screen in a case where 10 credits are bet on “Banker”;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing game programs executed respectively by a main control unit and a terminal of the baccarat gaming apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing game programs executed respectively by a main control unit and a terminal of a baccarat gaming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing in a maximum setting mode that is executed in S18 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing game programs executed respectively by a main control unit and a terminal of a baccarat gaming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a bet-change reception processing that is executed in S39 of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, first to third embodiments of a baccarat gaming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A baccarat gaming apparatus of the first to third embodiments is a multi-player type one including several terminals. A player bets on which one of “Banker” and “Player” wins, and a payout is given based on a win/lose result.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a description will be given to a general construction of a baccarat gaming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The baccarat gaming apparatus 1 includes a table unit 2 and a panel unit 3. On the table unit 2, players sit and play a game. The panel unit 3 displays thereon an animated image of a dealer and the like. The panel unit 3 is placed behind the table unit 2.

The table unit 2 has five terminals 4 called satellites. The five terminals 4 are disposed in a substantially fanwise form. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 4 includes a liquid crystal display 10, a touch panel 11, buttons 12, a coin insertion slot 13, a bill insertion slot 14, and a coin payout opening 15. The liquid crystal display 10 displays thereon a later-described bet screen 70 (see FIG. 5), a game result, and the like. The touch panel 11 is disposed on a front surface of the liquid crystal display 10. The buttons 12 are pressed in order to command a payout and the like. Coins are inserted into the coin insertion slot 13. Bills are inserted into the bill insertion slot 14. When selecting a betting object, setting a bet amount, and the like, a button is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, and the touch panel 11 detects a touch of a player on the button. When a player commands a payout, coins corresponding to an accumulated credit value are paid out through the coin payout opening 15. The terminal 4 corresponds to a bet receiving device.

The panel unit 3 has a front display 21, speakers 22, and LEDs 23. The speakers 22 and the LEDs 23 are disposed above the front display 21. The front display 21 displays thereon an image of a dealer distributing cards or handing chips, contents of distributed cards, and the like. The speakers 22 output music or effect sound in accordance with a game progress. The LEDs 23 are lighted up when presenting various effects.

A player sits in front of the terminal 4, and bets on either one of “Banker” and “Player” while seeing a bet screen 70 (see FIG. 5) that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10. Then, based on a kind of card distributed to the dealer, an effect image is displayed on the front display 21, showing whether a game is won by “Banker”, won by “Player”, or drawn. In the terminal 4 used by a player who has bet on the winner, a predetermined amount of credits, which are based on a bet amount and a payout rate, are given.

Next, an electrical construction of the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The baccarat gaming apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 31, five terminals 4, and various peripheral devices. The five terminals 4 and various peripheral devices are connected to the main control unit 31.

The main control unit 31 has, as its core, a microcomputer 45 including a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, and a bus 44 that transfers data thereamong. The ROM 43 stores therein a data table, various programs for executing processings necessary to control the baccarat gaming apparatus 1, and the like. The RAM 42 is a memory that temporarily stores therein various data computed by the CPU 41. The CPU 41 is connected through an I/O interface 46 to an image processing circuit 47, a sound circuit 48, an LED drive circuit 49, and a communication interface 50.

The main control unit 31 receives from each terminal 4 bet information including a betting object and a bet amount on the object, and determines whether a game starting condition is satisfied or not. Here, in the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the game starting condition is that a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all the terminals 4 and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 is equal to or smaller than 200 credits. As a game starts, the main control unit 31 determines a win/lose result which means whether “Banker” wins, “Player” wins, or the game is drawn. The main control unit 31 transmits the win/lose result thus determined to the respective terminals 4. In accordance with the win/lose result received from the main control unit 31, each of the terminals 4 increases or decreases an accumulation of credits. The main control unit 31 also outputs an image signal for an image to be displayed on the front display 21, and controls driving of the speakers 22 and LEDs 23.

Next, an electrical construction of the terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The terminal 4 has, as its core, a microcomputer 55 including a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, and a bus 54 that transfers data thereamong. The ROM 53 stores therein a data table, various programs for executing processings necessary to control the terminal 4, and the like. The RAM 52 is a memory that temporarily stores therein a credit value currently accumulated in the terminal 4, an object on which a player has bet, a bet amount on the object, a payout rate, various data computed by the CPU 51, and the like. The CPU 51 is connected through an I/O interface 56 to a liquid crystal display drive circuit 57, a touch panel drive circuit 58, a hopper drive circuit 59, a payout completion signal circuit 60, and a communication interface 61. The liquid crystal display 10 is connected to the liquid crystal display drive circuit 57. The touch panel 11 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 58. A hopper 62 is connected to the hopper drive circuit 59. A coin sensor 63 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 60.

Based on data outputted from the touch panel 11, the CPU 51 stores an object on which a player has bet, that is, either one of “Banker” and “Player”, and a bet amount on the object into the RAM 52, and in addition the CPU 51 transmits them to the main control unit 31. In accordance with a win/lose result transmitted from the main control unit 31, the CPU 51 increases or decreases an accumulation of credits. The CPU 51 further outputs an image signal for an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 10, controls payout of coins from the coin payout opening 15 by the hopper 62 and the coin sensor 63, and the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given to a bet screen 70 that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 of the terminal 4 when a baccarat game is played in the baccarat gaming apparatus 1.

The bet screen 70 has a timer indicator 71, a comment indicator 72, a main indicator 73, and an information indicator 74. The timer indicator 71 indicates a time left in a bet period. The comment indicator 72 indicates a difference in total bet amount on respective objects, guidance, and the like. The main indicator 73 indicates objects bettable by a player, a bet amount, and the like. The information indicator 74 indicates a current game state, a game result, and the like.

Area buttons 81 and 82 are provided in the main indicator 73. A player bets on “Banker” by touching the area button 81, and bets on “Player” by touching the area button 82. Payout rates for the corresponding objects are shown on a right side of the area buttons 81 and 82, respectively. When an object on which the player has bet wins, a credit is paid out. A value of the credit is a product of a bet amount and the payout rate.

Further, bet buttons 83, 84, 85, 86, and 87 are provided in the main indicator 73. A player adds 1 credit to a bet amount on an object by touching the bet button 83, 5 credits to the bet amount by touching the bet button 84, 10 credits to the bet amount by touching the bet button 85, 25 credits to the bet amount by touching the bet button 86, and 100 credits to the bet amount by touching the bet button 87.

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate, as a specific example, an operation and a bet screen in a case where 10 credits are bet on “Banker”. As shown in FIG. 6A, as a player touches the area button 81 and the bet button 85 with his/her finger, 10 credits are bet on “Banker” (see FIG. 6B).

The comment indicator 72 indicates a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” and a total amount of bets made on “Player” at expiry of the bet period. When the difference is larger than 200 credits, the comment indicator 72 indicates a guidance saying “Please Change Betting Object or Bet Amount” to recommend to change a bet, as shown in FIG. 5.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a description will be given to programs that are, when performing a baccarat game in the baccarat gaming apparatus 1, executed by the CPU 41 of the main control unit 31 and the CPU 51 of the terminal 4, respectively. The programs are stored in the RAM 42 or the ROM 43 of the main control unit 31 and in the RAM 52 or the ROM 53 of the terminal 4, respectively, and executed by the CPU 41 and the CPU 51, respectively.

The program executed by the CPU 41 of the main control unit 31 will be described. First, the CPU 41 transmits a command to start a bet period to each terminal 4 (Si). Here, the bet period means a period during which a bet made by a player is receivable.

Then, the CPU 41 receives bet information transmitted from each terminal 4 (S2). The bet information includes an object on which a player has bet, that is, either one of “Banker” and “Player”, and a bet amount on the object.

The CPU 41 subsequently calculates a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all terminals 4 connected to the main control unit 31, and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 connected to the main control unit 31 (S3). Moreover, in S4, the CPU 41 calculates a difference between the total amounts calculated in S3.

Then, the CPU 41 transmits the difference calculated in S4 to each terminal 4 (S5).

Thereafter, the CPU 41 determines whether the difference calculated in S4 is equal to or smaller than 200 credits, or not (S6). Assuming for example that, among five players A to E who are playing in the baccarat gaming apparatus 1, the player A bets 1,200 credits on “Banker”, the player B bets 200 credits on “Player”, the player C bets 50 credits on “Player”, the player D bets 500 credits on “Player”, and the player E bets 350 credits on “Player”, a total amount of bets made on “Banker” and a total amount of bets made on “Player” are 1,200 credits and 1,100 credits, respectively. Thus, a difference therebetween is smaller than 200 credits. On the other hand, assuming that the player A bets 300 credits on “Banker”, the player B bets 1,400 credits on “Player”, the player C bets 50 credits on “Player”, the player D bets 500 credits on “Banker”, and the player E bets 150 credits on “Player”, a total amount of bets made on “Banker” and a total amount of bets made on “Player” are 800 credits and 1,600 credits, respectively. Thus, a difference therebetween is larger than 200 credits.

When it is determined that the difference is equal to or smaller than 200 credits (S6: YES), the CPU 41 executes a game processing (S7). In the game processing, the CPU 41 determines a win/lose result which means whether “Banker” wins, “Player” wins, or a game is drawn, and then transmits the win/lose result to each terminal 4. A terminal 4 in which a bet has been made on a winner gives a predetermined amount of credits based on the bet amount and a payout rate.

When it is determined that the difference is larger than 200 credits (S6: NO), the processing returns to S1 where the CPU 41 commands each terminal 4 to start the bet period again. The command includes a command that, in S102 which will be described later, the comment indicator 72 should make an additional indication of a guidance saying “Please Change Betting Object or Bet Amount” to recommend to change a bet (see FIG. 5).

Next, the program executed by the CPU 51 of the terminal 4 will be described. First, the CPU 51 receives a command to start a bet period from the main control unit 31 (S101).

Then, the CPU 51 starts receiving a bet (S102). To be more specific, the CPU 51 displays the bet screen 70 on the liquid crystal display 10, and receives a selection made through the touch panel 11 by a player. Based on data from the touch panel 11, the CPU 51 determines a betting object selected by the player and a bet amount.

The CPU 51 subsequently determines whether the bet period has expired or not (S103). To be more specific, the CPU 51 determines whether a predetermined time (20 sec for example) has elapsed after the CPU 51 started receiving a bet in S102, or not.

When it is determined that the bet period has not expired (S103: NO), the CPU 51 continues to receive a bet. When it is determined that the bet period has expired (S103: YES), the CPU 51 transmits bet information to the main control unit 31 (S104).

Thereafter, the CPU 51 receives from the main control unit 31 a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all terminals 4 and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 (S105). Then, the CPU 51 controls the liquid crystal display 10 through the liquid crystal display drive circuit 57, so as to make the comment indicator 72 of the bet screen 70 indicates the difference (S106).

When the difference is larger than 200 credits, the CPU 51 receives a command to start a bet period from the CPU 41 of the main control unit 31 (S101), and starts receiving a bet again (S102). As described above, a command received at this time from the CPU 41 includes a command to make an additional indication of a guidance saying “Please Change Betting Object or Bet Amount” to recommend to change a bet. Accordingly, the CPU 51 controls the liquid crystal display 10 so as to make the guidance additionally displayed in the comment indicator 72. By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates that a bet amount on “Banker” is larger by 250 credits.

As thus far described above, in the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 and the baccarat gaming method according to the first embodiment, no limitation is put on a maximum amount bettable on an object, and a game is started (S7) on condition that a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all the terminals 4 and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 at expiry of the bet period is equal to or smaller than 200 credits (S6: YES). Therefore, a player can bet a desired amount, and thus his/her convenience and expectation on a game can be improved.

When the difference is larger than 200 credits (S6: NO), the CPU 41 commands each terminal 4 to start receiving a bet again (S1). This allows a player to change a betting object and/or a bet amount until a game starting condition, which means a condition that the difference is equal to or smaller than 200 credits, is satisfied. Therefore, a game can be started in a condition satisfactory to the player.

When the difference is larger than 200 credits (S6: NO), a guidance recommending to change a bet is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 (see FIG. 5). This allows a player to well understand that a game cannot be started without changing a bet, thus making a game started smoothly.

A difference in total bet amount on respective objects is displayed on the liquid crystal display 10 (S106). This can make a player know the difference and smoothly change a betting object and/or bet amount when the difference is larger than 200 credits.

Next, a baccarat gaming apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

A general construction of the baccarat gaming apparatus of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Game programs shown in FIG. 8 executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus of the second embodiment are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 7 executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Steps S11 to S17 and S111 to S116 of FIG. 8 correspond to steps S1 to S7 and S101 to S106 of FIG. 7, respectively. The game programs executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus of the second embodiment differ from the game programs executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, in that a step S18 is included. To be more specific, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all the terminals 4 and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 is larger than 200 credits (S6: NO), reception of a bet is started again, so that a game is not started until a game starting condition, which means a condition that the difference is equal to or smaller than 200 credits, is satisfied. In the second embodiment, on the other hand, when it is determined that the difference is larger than 200 credits (S16: NO), a processing in a maximum setting mode is executed with a maximum bettable amount being set (S18). Thus, in the maximum setting mode, a bet is received and a game is started.

In the processing in the maximum setting mode, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 41 of the main control unit 31 firstly transmits to each terminal 4 a command to start a bet period in the maximum setting mode (S21). Here, the maximum bettable amount is 1,000 credits for example. Then, the CPU 41 receives bet information transmitted from each terminal 4 (S22), and executes a game processing based on the bet information (S17 of FIG. 8).

In the processing in the maximum setting mode, the CPU 51 of the terminal 4 firstly receives from the main control unit 31 a command to start a bet period in the maximum setting mode (S121).

Then, the CPU 51 starts receiving a bet (S122). To be more specific, the CPU 51 keeps displaying the bet screen 70 on the liquid crystal display 10, and receives a selection made through the touch panel 11 by a player. Based on data from the touch panel 11, the CPU 51 determines a betting object selected by the player and a bet amount. At this time, the CPU 51 makes a control so as not to allow a bet amount larger than 1,000 credits.

Subsequent steps S123 and S124 are the same as steps S103 and S104 of FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore a description thereof is omitted.

Next, a baccarat gaming apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

A general construction of the baccarat gaming apparatus of the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Game programs shown in FIG. 10 executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus of the third embodiment are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 7 executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Steps S31 to S37 and S131 to S136 of FIG. 10 correspond to steps S1 to S7 and S101 to S106 of FIG. 7, respectively. The game programs executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus of the third embodiment differ from the game programs executed by the baccarat gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, in that steps S38, S39, and S40 are included. To be more specific, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all the terminals 4 and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 is larger than 200 credits (S6: NO), reception of a bet is started again, so that a game is not started until a game starting condition, which means a condition that the difference is equal to or smaller than 200 credits, is satisfied. In the third embodiment, on the other hand, when it is determined that the difference is larger than 200 credits (S36: NO), an effect recommending a player to change a bet is repeatedly presented a predetermined number of times (S38 and S39).

In S38, the CPU 41 of the main control unit 31 determines whether an effect recommending a player to change a bet has been presented a predetermined number of times, for example, three times, or not. When it is determined that the effect has not been presented the predetermined number of times (S38: NO), a bet-change reception processing is executed (see FIG. 11).

In the bet-change reception processing, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 41 of the main control unit 31 firstly transmits a command to start a bet period to each terminal 4 (S41). Then, the CPU 41 receives bet information transmitted from each terminal 4 (S42). Then, returning to S33 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 again calculates a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all terminals 4 connected to the main control unit 31, and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 connected to the main control unit 31 (S3).

In the bet-change reception processing, the CPU 51 of the terminal 4 firstly receives a command to start a bet period from the main control unit 31 (S141).

Then, the CPU 51 presents an effect recommending a player to change the bet that has been made during the previous bet period (S142). The effect is presented through, for example, an indication by the comment indicator 72 of the bet screen 70, sound outputted from the speakers, or the like. Contents of the effect are designed to reduce a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” and a total amount of bets made on “Player”, such as a message “Please Change Betting Object to ‘Banker’”, “Please Reduce Bet Amount”, or the like.

When a player changes a bet in accordance with the effect presented in S142 and wins, a payout increases by 10%. This makes it possible to effectively recommend a player to change a bet.

By the effect presented in S142, a player is notified that a payout will increase. As a result, the player is recommended to change a bet, and thus a game can progress more smoothly.

Subsequent steps S143, S144, and S145 are the same as steps S102, S103, and S104 of FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore a description thereof is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 10 again, when it is determined that the effect has been presented the predetermined number of times (S38: YES), a processing in a maximum setting mode is executed (S40). The step S40 is the same as the step S18 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 9), and therefore a description thereof is omitted. That is, in the third embodiment, when the difference is larger than 200 credits the effect recommending a player to change a bet is repeatedly presented the predetermined number of times, but when the difference is not reduced to equal to or smaller than 200 credits nevertheless, the bet is received and a game is started in the maximum setting mode.

In the first embodiment, the game starting condition is that a difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” in all the terminals 4 and a total amount of bets made on “Player” in all the terminals 4 is equal to or smaller than 200 credits. However, a value of the difference can be variously changed, and freely settable by a game shop. In addition, a value of the difference can be changed depending on a payout rate set in the baccarat gaming apparatus 1.

A difference between a total amount of bets made on “Banker” and a total amount of bets made on “Player” may be displayed on the front display 21 and/or the liquid crystal display 10 during a bet period instead of at expiry of the bet period. The difference may not be notified to a player.

An award given to a player who has changed a bet because the game starting condition was not satisfied is not limited to increase in payout, but instead may be a predetermined amount of bonus, occurrence of a bonus game, or the like.

It may not be necessary to recommend a player to change a bet when the game starting condition is not satisfied.

It may not be necessary to command each terminal 4 to start receiving a bet again when the game starting condition is not satisfied.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the “bet” is made using a coin. However, this is not limitative. The bet may be made using a bill, a medal, a token, electronic money, a ticket, electronic valuable information corresponding thereto, or the like. “Receiving a bet” means betting a certain bet amount on a game. For example, in a case where a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 13 is directly bet on a game, insertion of the coin into the coin insertion slot 13 is equivalent to “receiving a bet”. On the other hand, in the above-described first to third embodiments, when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 13, an amount corresponding to the inserted coin is credited. When a bet button or a max-bet button is pressed, the credited amount is bet on a game. In this case, betting the amount corresponding to the credited coin(s) on a game is equivalent to “receiving a bet”.

The baccarat gaming method according to the present invention is applicable also to a table game which is played on a game table by a dealer and a player.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

1. A baccarat gaming apparatus comprising: one or more bet receiving devices each of which receives a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects; and a processor that calculates a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects which are received by the bet receiving devices, and starts a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.
 2. A baccarat gaming apparatus comprising: one or more bet receiving devices each of which receives a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects; and a processor that calculates a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects which are received by the bet receiving devices, starts a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount, and commands the bet receiving devices to start receiving a bet again when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount.
 3. A baccarat gaming apparatus comprising: one or more bet receiving devices each of which receives a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects; a notification unit; and a processor that calculates a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects which are received by the bet receiving devices, starts a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount, recommends a player to change a bet through the notification unit when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount, and gives an award to a player who has changed a bet according to the recommendation.
 4. The baccarat gaming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit, wherein, when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount, the processor recommends a player to change a bet through the notification unit.
 5. The baccarat gaming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, in recommending a player to change a bet through the notification unit when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount, the processor notifies the player through the notification unit that a player having changed a bet will be given an award.
 6. The baccarat gaming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit, Wherein, through the notification unit, the processor notifies a player of a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects.
 7. A baccarat gaming method comprising the steps of: receiving a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects; calculating a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects; and starting a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount.
 8. A baccarat gaming method comprising the steps of: receiving a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects; calculating a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects; starting a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount; and starting receiving a bet again when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount.
 9. A baccarat gaming method comprising the steps of: receiving a bet made by a player on any of a plurality of objects; calculating a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects; starting a game when the difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount; recommending a player to change a bet when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount; and giving an award to a player who has changed a bet according to the recommendation.
 10. The baccarat gaming method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of recommending a player to change a bet when the difference is larger than the predetermined amount.
 11. The baccarat gaming method according to 9, further comprising the step of, in recommending a player to change a bet, notifying the player that a player having changed a bet will be given an award.
 12. The baccarat gaming method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of notifying a player of a difference in total amount of bets made on the respective objects. 